Pathology Data Systems is a unit within the Department of Pathology at the University of Michigan Health System. We maintain Pathology's computers and are stewards of laboratory data. Our laboratory information system is Cerner's PathNet Classic, which we have used since 1988. We are currently running Classic 306, Rev 147 on the HP AlphaServer GS140 platform. We are responsible for laboratory workstations, laboratory printers, expedite printers in clinical areas, inquiry devices in clinical areas, and remote printers with modems, and 10 remote site interfaces. Orders for lab tests are entered into PathNet either manually or via interface. Laboratory work is processed, and results are reported either on paper charts or electronically via interface. PDS generates approximately 600 database queries each week which generate reports for managing laboratory operations.

Our Applications and Data management group performs data integrity testing and validation, sets up and maintains daily operations and billing, supports PathNet and MLabs users, and sets up and maintains interfaces from PathNet to foreign systems. The support team consists of medical technologists who are closely integrated with the laboratory staff.

Our Systems and Hardware group does performance tuning and system monitoring, OS enhancements and upgrades, PathNet software upgrades, and supports and maintains the interface engine. The systems team understands the critical nature of the laboratory information system and all its "feeds".

Our PCNS (Personal Computer and Networking Systems) group manages the Pathology network and servers, manages and maintains workstations and Citrix, supports Point of Care testing, and does Special Projects. Many in the PCNS group are medical technologists with advanced training in computers.

All staff are involved in development of innovative solutions for customer problems.

Pathology Data Systems is closely integrated into the clinical laboratories, working as one team, often with other hospital units or outside entities, to ensure that data housed in our laboratory information system is transmitted and displayed correctly.